By the Grace of G-d Rosh Chodesh Kislev, 5735. Brooklyn, N.Y.

Greeting and Blessing:

Your letter reached me with some delay, and I regret that my reply was further delayed. However, a blessing is always in time, and may G-d grant the fulfillment of your heart's desires for good in all the matters about which you write.

I trust that you know of the significance of the 19th of Kislev, followed by the festival of Chanukah, which we celebrate by kindling the lights in a growing number from day to day, symbolizing the light of the Torah and Mitzvoth.

It has been mentioned before that although when a Jew lights one candle on the first night of Chanukah he has fulfilled the Mitzvo completely, nevertheless, in view of the fact that his Mitzvo in itself is a source of inspiration and strength for doing more Mitzvoth, it is expected of him that the following night he will light not one candle, but one more, namely two candles, and the following night three, and so forth. The same is true in all activities to spread the light of the Torah and Mitzvoth.

Included in the above are also the Five Mitzvo Campaigns, and the Candle Lighting Campaign for girls not yet married and younger ones, to light the candles of Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov — about all of which you no doubt have heard. I trust that, in keeping with the Mitzvo of V'Ohavto L'Reacho Komocho, which is the great principle of our Torah, you are doing your utmost to involve other Jews in these activities.

Hoping to hear good news from you,

With blessing,

M. Schneerson